Fertilized layer eggs can be sexed during incubation by detection of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) that are released by the developing embryo and pass through the shell, according to researchers at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) and chemical sensor company Sensit Ventures Inc.
Approximately 6-7 billion male layer chicks are culled each year after hatching. However, if hatcheries could identify the sex of an egg early in incubation, male eggs could be diverted for alternate uses and pressure from animal welfare organizations could be relieved.
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